The Oklahoma City Thunder celebrated their NBA championship victory after defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 of the Finals. In their locker room, the team faced an amusing dilemma: they didn’t know how to open champagne bottles. Alex Caruso, the only member with prior championship experience, helped guide his teammates through the process, marking a significant milestone for the youngest roster to secure a title.
The Thunder’s championship comes amid an era of unprecedented parity in the NBA, with a different champion crowned each season for the last seven years. Oklahoma City dominated the regular season, achieving 68 wins and the best scoring differential in history, while the Pacers, the fourth seed, pulled off numerous upsets to reach the Finals for the first time in 25 years. Despite their inexperience, the Thunder showed impressive poise under pressure, overcoming Indiana to clinch the title.
Point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who also won the scoring title and MVP, emphasized the team’s growth potential, highlighting that most players are not yet in their prime. Conversely, Indiana faced challenges, particularly with injuries to key players like star Tyrese Haliburton, who may have sustained a serious Achilles injury during the Finals.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed ongoing discussions about reducing the 82-game season, citing a lack of evidence linking fewer games to reduced injury rates. As the Thunder celebrated, the league reflected on their remarkable journey, hinting at possibilities for dominance in the seasons to come. If they return next year, they will surely be more prepared for the celebrations.
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